Council budget maintains leisure centres, bin collections and invests in local charities
- Budget set to deliver on priorities across the Borough
- Leisure centres protected
- Fortnightly bin collections remain
- Improved financial outlook on previous year
West Lancashire Borough Council has successfully agreed a balanced budget for 2026/27 that reflects the Council’s priorities of investing in communities, delivering good services and remaining a financially robust council.
The £19.538m net budget (the Council spend for the year 2026/27) agreed at a meeting last night, puts the Council on a secure financial footing. It includes plans for sustaining the Borough’s leisure centres. Current fortnightly bin collections, street cleaning and litter bin provision have also been confirmed for next year. The number of bin collection staff will also be increased.
Significant investment will continue in the local environment and green spaces like Abbey Lakes and Beacon Country Park.
A revision of car parking arrangements in Ormskirk will also give more flexible options for visitors to the town, alongside boosting footfall for local businesses and creating the opportunity for the car parks to deliver extra income that can be used to benefit the whole Borough.
It was also agreed that the Council Tax Support Scheme, currently offering a reduction of up to 78% on Council Tax bills for those who are most in financial need, will now offer a discount of up to 100% for those who require the most support.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Lead Member for Finance, said: “I am delighted that we are seeing an improved outlook for Council finances on last year and that we have been able to agree a budget that not only maintains our essential services, but creates the right conditions for future prosperity and community investment.
“This year’s additional £1.1m of core spending power included in the three-year provisional settlement from central government, allowed us to more effectively plan for the long term, giving the Council more financial stability that will benefit everyone in the Borough.
“This budget will work hard to provide critical support to our communities, including £100,000 for our third sector organisations such as local charities. It also invests in and protects our outstanding green spaces, maintains and improves leisure provision for all, delivers vital services and boosts our local economy.
“Challenges remain after the next financial year, but we welcome the Government’s commitment to providing more clarity for financial planning by reviewing how multi-year settlements are delivered in the future.”
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